How to Open an Animal Rescue Shelter for Bully Breeds

Homeless pets and animals can pull on the heartstrings of almost all warm-blooded people. These furry companions are considered more and more as family members, and not four-legged animals that are a there to help hunt or make the kids happy. Different breeds, however, bring about different emotions in people and it is not the fault of the dog breeds. The breeders, handlers and trainers of dogs such as pit bulls and rottweilers have given these potentially gentle giants a malicious reputation. Some communities have gone so far as to ban these breeds. If you have a soft spot for these beasts, there are options for you in regards to opening your own animal rescue shelter.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Put together a mission statement and draft a business plan. This will help you focus on what you need to do and how to organize your plan of action.

2. Research the animal rights and laws for your community. Some jurisdictions only allow a certain number of dogs to be in a facility at a given time. The building where you house the animals may also be required to be so far from other businesses and residential communities.

3. 
   Rottweiler

   Research your community's laws on the certain types of "bully breeds" that you are wishing to rescue and adopt. As mentioned earlier, there are towns that have banned certain breeds.

4. Research available grants in your area and nationwide. There are a lot of agencies out there with money they are willing to put towards a good cause. Sell yourself and you will have more money for your cause.

5. Gather a group of professionals or volunteers together who have an interest in your shelter. These individuals can help you with marketing strategies, fundraising and legal advice.

6. Consult with an attorney and decide what you are legally responsible for when you adopt a dog out to a customer. Understand what information must you disclose and what services must you provide.

7. Find a veterinarian or veterinarians that are willing to partner with your shelter providing various services such as spaying/neutering, routine entrance exams, preventative medicine, emergency situations and surgeries.

8. Research the difference between being non-profit and for-profit. Then decide which is best for your agency.

9. Make sure that you are completely devoted to spending your time and energy to this quest. This is an admirable undertaking that will require as much care as a newborn. Be sure you are ready to do this. If so, congratulations on your decision and best wishes to you!